President Goodluck Jonathan has decried the use of the social media worldwide to create social discontent and anarchy in the society.
Jonathan said this when he met with a delegation of traditional rulers and leaders from Bayelsa, on Tuesday, in Abuja.
News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the President said that the social media initially meant for good had become a tool to disseminate evil.
‘‘ These days, there are all kinds of stories. It is all over the world, leaders are being lambasted, especially with the social media now.
’’People use what knowledge had created for negative reasons.
‘‘Just as I was told that the person who invented dynamite, later regretted that invention because he thought he was coming up with something to solve human problem.
“ But when he got to know about the level of destruction, human lives that are being blown up because of explosion, the man regretted that invention.
“What is supposed to be used for the common good was turned to negative purposes.
“I always say that I will not even expect praises now because hardly do people praise serving leaders. It is when you leave, people will begin to know.
“When you leave, they will begin to compare what you have done over the period vis-a-vis what others have done.
“Then they will compare you with whoever takes over.’’
Jonathan pledged to do his best to create the enabling environment for the nation’s economy to thrive, notwthstanding the challenges facing the country.
“I will do my best so that by the time I will leave, you will be able to say that when our son was there, he served the country well so that one day, another son of Bayelsa may be given another opportunity to serve Nigerians.
‘‘I assure you that I am here by the grace of God with the willingness of Nigerians. If Nigerians say I shouldn’t be here, I wouldn’t have been here. We contested election in 2011 and Nigerians voted for us.
‘‘I am your own. if I don’t do well, the shame will be on you. If I do well, you will have some kind of pride. I will do my best.’’
According to him, 2015 will be full of challenges for Nigerians because of the early elections, saying everywhere will be overheated as from Friday.
Earlier, Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, said they were in the State House to felicitate with the President and his family in the spirit of the festive season.
He assured the president that Bayelsa people will not relent in supporting their son and wished him a victorious new year.
Dickson commended Jonathan for his transformation agenda which, he said, was impacting positively on Nigerians.
He said the President’s home state was peaceful and was in safe hands.
The high point of the event was the presentation of a giant seasonal greeting card to the President on behalf of the state.
Notable personalities in the encourage were the Amayanabo of Town-Brass, Mr Alfred Diete-Spiff, the state Chief Judge, former Managing Director of NDCC, Mr Timi Alaibe, traditional rulers, clerics, among others.
